OKLAHOMA CITY – Governor Mary Fallin announced today the White House has approved her request for additional federal aid related to the first February snow storm.

“This is good news for the state of Oklahoma and those counties hit hardest by the February storm,” Fallin said.

The announcement delivers a major disaster declaration for the severe winter storm that occurred Jan. 31 through Feb. 5. The declaration means public assistance will be available for expenses related to eligible infrastructure damage including roads, bridges and public facilities, as well as snow removal and response costs. Counties now covered are: Craig, Creek, Jefferson, Logan, Mayes, Nowata, Okmulgee, Osage, Ottawa, Pawnee, Pottawatomie, Rogers, Stephens, Tulsa, Wagoner and Washington.

Initial surveys estimate eligible state and local costs for the storm throughout these counties exceed $8.7 million.

Governor Fallin declared a state of emergency in Oklahoma on Jan. 31. She later requested – and the White House approved – a federal emergency declaration that authorized direct federal resources to assist with response efforts, which included bottled water, cots, blankets and MREs (meals ready to eat).